PMPML’s bus breakdowns continue to frustrate commuters, with 15,719 incidents reported in 2024, highlighting ongoing reliability issues.
Even though they promised new buses, the reality is that PMPML has about 1,800 buses in total. But on any given day, around 300 to 400 of those are out of service for repairs or maintenance. That’s a big gap when you think about how many people rely on these buses.
The issues range from old tyres and batteries to more serious mechanical problems. It’s a real headache for everyone involved. On average, only 80 buses are available for every 1,000 passengers, which is pretty low.
Nitin Narvekar, the joint managing director of PMPML, mentioned that the old buses are a major reason for the breakdowns. They’re planning to take over 300 of these old buses off the road and replace them with 400 new CNG buses. This could really help cut down on breakdowns in the future.
Atul Namekar, who represents the Sinhagad Road-Warje Residents’ Association, pointed out that even small issues like tyre punctures add up. They might seem minor, but they really affect how well the bus service runs.
Ankita Manjre, a daily commuter, shared her experience. She travels from the Pune Municipal Corporation bus stop to Bhosari and often faces breakdowns. She mentioned that on average, her bus breaks down four to five times a month, especially during peak hours. It’s frustrating when old buses are used, making her late for work.
So, while there’s hope with the new buses on the way, the current situation is still a challenge for many commuters in Pune.
